Top 10 Application Tips # 7 Fellowship Statement COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog

Top 10 Application Tips # 7 Fellowship Statement COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog This is the seventh entry in our “Top 10? list to assist you with understanding the process of submitting your admission application to SIPA.   This entry is focused on advice regarding the section of the application entitled “Fellowship Statement.” Funding a graduate school education can be challenging and I will offer additional insight regarding financial aid in some future entries, the point of this entry is to provide guidance on the information that we ask for on the admission application. Question:   What do I need to do to be considered for a scholarship from SIPA? Answer: Every single person that applies to SIPA is considered for scholarship funding.   Thus, all you need to do to be considered is to complete the admission application. When an Admission Committee member reads the application and makes a decision, he or she can note that they wish for the candidate to be considered for scholarship from SIPA.   After all of our admission decisions are made the Committee then takes files that have been marked “consider for fellowship” and deliberates on who will be awarded funding. Question:   Are international students treated differently in the scholarship consideration process? Answer: No, all applicants are treated the same regardless of citizenship.   Scholarships are based on merit and we are looking for the best possible candidates for admission.   This may lead to the question . . . Question:   “What characteristics does a successful scholarship candidate possess? Candidates we typically award first year scholarships to “stand out” among the crowd so to speak.   You could say that along with academic and professional excellence, successful candidates possess a unique story, motivation, and/or drive backed by action that sets them apart from the rest of the pool of applicants. It might also be a candidate that overcame extreme obstacles to achieve success.   There is no formula or checklist that we use to nominate candidates for first year fellowship, we typically tell the Committee to identify the top 10-15% of files they read as worthy of scholarship consideration. The decision of who to award scholarships to is very difficult for a few reasons.   First, our applicant pools are extremely qualified each year.   Every admitted applicant possesses an impressive record of accomplishments matched by unique characteristics that the Committee believes will make a strong contribution to the admitted class. Second, the Committee is only able to award funding to approximately 10-15% of the admitted class.   SIPA reserves the majority of scholarship funding for second year students.   Not receiving a scholarship offer from SIPA as a newly admitted candidate should not be taken as a slight, it has more to do with the very accomplished pool of applicants and the limited amount of funding for the first year of study. Non-Columbia Fellowships SIPA does partner with several organizations to provide funding for admitted candidates.   In some cases we provide matching funding and in other cases we just wish to recognize the affiliation by granting our own scholarship to a candidate.   The organizations we partner with are listed in a drop down menu on the Fellowship Statement Page of the application.   See below for a picture: You may choose up to two organizations you either have an affiliation with or organizations you have submitted applications to for funding.   The process is competitive and we are often not able to award funding to everyone that has a relationship with an affiliated organization. For example we receive applications from many qualified alumni of the Peace Corps and we do set aside funding to recognize excellence during service in the Peace Corps, however with the large number of Peace Corps alumni applying we are unable to provide funding to every qualified candidate. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Timing U.S. citizens and permanent residents interested in receiving funding from the Federal Government should submit the FAFSA, but please do not do so prior to January 1st, 2011.   The 2011-2012 FAFSA will be needed and the Department of Education does not post the form online until the new year starts. Question:   What is meant by “head of household?” Answer: By head of household we mean that you are either entirely responsible for your own finances or that you are the main source of income in a family unit.   The family unit should not include your mother or father.   An example of head of household would be that live on your own or that you are married and have been earning 50.1% or more of the income for your household (which might or might not include children). Assets and Liabilities Sections The instructions are fairly clear on the site, please only enter your assets/liabilities and if married include those of your spouse.   Do not include parental information. Question:   Do I need to provide proof of the ability to pay for my education costs when I apply? Answer: No.   Admission decisions take into account merit only, not the ability to pay.   International students admitted to the program will have to provide proof of funding to have a visa issued, however this process does not take place until after an international candidate has been admitted and paid an enrollment deposit. Question:   Is the International Fellows Program (IFP) different from general SIPA scholarship funding? Answer: Yes.   Consideration for scholarship funding through the International Fellows program is different from general SIPA scholarships.   To apply, applicants must submit a 300 word statement about why they wish to be considered. It is not mandatory to apply for IFP funding, applying for IFP funding is optional and candidates who do not apply will not be viewed negatively.   For more information on the IFP program, please click here.

Women s Political And Islam - 1265 Words

Women’s political rights in Islam has been a controversial topic in the modern age. With the growth of ideologies like feminism and liberalism, Islam has been carefully examined underneath a microscope for some time. Some argue that Islam subjugates women because they are not given the exact rights or roles men have been given. Allah (swt) has given men and women different biological, physiological, and psychological attributes. In the Quran Allah (swt) says in chapter 4; verse 32 â€Å"And do not wish for that by which Allah has made some of you exceed others. For men is a share of what they have earned, and for women is a share of what they have earned. And ask Allah of his bounty. Indeed, Allah is ever, of all things, Knowing.† This verse†¦show more content†¦Women also took part in wars by being nurses and care takers of the soldiers (Dr, Nakir Naik, 2014). We can understand why it is not recommended nor obligated for women to partake in the battle field th rough Quranic verses and Hadeeths. In the Quran Allah (swt) says in chapter 4; verse 32 â€Å"And do not wish for that by which Allah has made some of you exceed others. For men is a share of what they have earned, and for women is a share of what they have earned. And ask Allah of his bounty. Indeed, Allah is ever, of all things, Knowing.† Allah (swt) has given men the upper hand in terms of physicality. Of course, there are outliers and exceptions but generally speaking a man is biologically and anatomically better suited to fight in war (Dr. Zakir Naik). Al-Sarkhasi said in Sharh al-Siyar al-Kabeer that â€Å"We do not like women to fight alongside men in war because a woman does not have the right physical make-up for fighting, as the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) indicated when he said: â€Å"This one was not a fighter† (said when he saw the body of a woman slain on the battlefield) (Shaykh Muhammad al-Munajjid, 2003).† Men are described as the â€Å"qawamun† in the Quran. This word is derived from â€Å"qawm† which is the Arabic word for standing up. They are required to stand up for their family in that they must protect andShow MoreRelatedIslam Studies Jahiliyyah1539 Words   |  7 Pagesof Islam. The Jahiliyyah is a core and critical part of the foundations of Islam, that certain elements of the jahiliyyah were borrowed, adopted and developed; whilst other elements were discarded as Islam evolved. It is important as aspects of the jahiliyyah period continues to have an influence after the advent of Islam. Elements of the jahiliyyah such as the geographical location; the political, social and religious life; pre-islamic literature, rituals of the Ka ba and the role of Women haveRead MoreWomen s Role Of A Muslim Woman1440 Words   |  6 PagesWomen’s Role in Islam In the west, the common picture of a Muslim woman is the stereotype of a woman hidden behind a veil, a voiceless, silent figure, stripped of rights. This picture of the Muslim woman is all too familiar to us, in large part because this is how the western media portrays women in Islam. If this is the picture of what most people think a Muslim woman is, what people think the roles of these women are not any better. Many people would think the roles of these women include being aRead MoreIslam : A Monotheistic Religion1505 Words   |  7 Pages Modern Challenges Paper Islam is a monotheistic religion taking into account disclosures got by the prophet Muhammad in the seventh century A.D., which were later recorded in the Quran (or Koran), Islam s consecrated content. Islam has spread quickly during the time and today the religion is, by a few estimations, the biggest on the planet. Devotees of Islam are called Muslims. The Arabic word Islam signifies accommodation, mirroring the confidence s focal precept of submitting to Allah. IslamicRead MoreWhat Role Did Violence And Warfare Play During The Origins And The Rise Of Islam1078 Words   |  5 PagesFirst of all, we are talking about what role did violence and warfare play in the origins and the rise of Islam. Since the 1950s, Western countries led by the committee to allow the establishment of Islamic mullahs called on the community of believers. Freed from the oppression of Islam out of the only parts of the land has old Yugoslavia and modern Israel. The real windfall rooted in Islamic fundamentalism and religious revivalism, part of the Muslim Arab countries because the current situationRead MoreMuslim Women As A Symbol Of Oppression856 Words   |  4 PagesIn the past decade, Islam has been viewed as a male dominant religion. Many people in the west proclaim that Muslim women are forced to wear and do things out of their own will and, therefore, the western society perceives Muslim women as a symbol of oppression. The main subject of controversy is the Islamic veil. In addition, the west proclaims Islam to be a sexist religion as the Muslim women are not held equal to men including a limited amount of women’s rights in Islam. In the Deepa Kumar articleRead MorePre Islamic Period Of Arabian People1399 Words   |  6 Pagesthe appearance of religion. It is common knowledge that understanding beliefs requires awareness of sociological, political, economic, psychological and philosophical life of a particular society. Thi s paper is aimed to explore the Arabian society’s condition in Pre-Islamic period and to prove that the spread of Muslimism has considerably improved people’s well-being, creating political and social structure. Pre-Islamic period embraces the late 6th and the early 7th century A.D. Recent historian studiesRead MoreThe Role Of Muslim Women During The Islamic World1564 Words   |  7 Pagesrole of Muslim women in the Islamic world is one has been widely discussed criticized by many people. The most common perceptions are of women living under the oppressive dictatorships of their husbands, forced into marriage, and constantly covered under the veil. The discussion of Muslim women and their roles are an important, firstly because there have been many misconceptions by non-Muslims which needs to be corrected and addressed. Secondly, some Muslim countries treat women unjustly in theRead MoreContributions Of Prominent Muslim Women1049 Words   |  5 PagesMuslim Women People when asked about Muslim women automatically picture an oppressed, mistreated, woman. One who doesn’t receive her rights and is not acknowledged in anyway. Which is all a misconception only conceived by non- muslims or people who might not have much knowledge in Islam. If they were to look deeper they would be astonished to see a womans worth in Islam and all the rights given towards women. And how women in Islamic history helped shape the religion. Some prominent Muslim women throughoutRead MoreThe Islamic Diffusion Of India1243 Words   |  5 Pagesbegan to convert to Islam, the religion carried to the coast of India. The first mosque in India was built in 629, it is called the Cheraman Juma Masjid. The mosque was made in the Indian state Kerala. Islam continued to spread into Indian cities, by immigration and conversion, as the Arab Muslims and the Indians continued trading. DIFFUSION Islamic diffusion in India happened through both Relocation and Expansion. India was first introduced to Islam in the 600’s when Arab traders regularlyRead MoreAisha Essay1413 Words   |  6 Pagesimpact of Aisha bint Abu Bakr on the development and expression of Islam. Aisha bint Abu Bakr was a leader, a woman, a wife, a theologian, a scholar and a political activist. She was precocious, loyal, brave and remarkably intelligent. These aspects of her humble life have allowed her to make a powerful impact on the development and expression of Islam that â€Å"no woman [has] reached†[1]. Not only did she influence the position of women in Islamic society, Islamic ethics, and the understanding and

Ideal Gas Law Quiz

My Best Friend Susie Free Essays

My best friend’s name is Susan, however, she prefers to be called Susie. Susie is a petite girl. She has sleek light brown hair that flows across her back, but she usually wears a braid. We will write a custom essay sample on My Best Friend Susie or any similar topic only for you Order Now Her complexion is a fair cream color, with a pair of amber eyes. Susie also has very light brown freckles scattered across her small oval face. She wears a cheerful smile. Susie also has a nice soft, warm voice. Susie can act somewhat shy around people with whom she is not well acquainted with. As a result, her shyness may be mistaken for rudeness, but once you get to know her you will notice that she is a very caring and intelligent person. She is also exceedingly good at sports. She plays basketball, soccer, tennis, does a little bit of golf, but her favorite sport is volleyball. When I first met Susie, I was very surprised too see that she was great at playing so many sports, especially volleyball. When it comes to Susie’s dress style, she likes to wear brilliant colors to express her cheerfulness, particularly colors like light pink, lime green, violet, or teal. On casual days she wears a t-shirt with a pair of light blue denim jeans, and sport shoes. Occasionally she likes to wear long skirts or dresses accompanied with a pair of boots. She also likes to wear a very nice apple scented perfume. Susie is a very talented and intelligent person. Aside from playing sports, Susie has a variety of hobbies. She likes to read, play the flute, practice art, and she also likes to write music and poetry. Susie is really passionate about art and sports. In fact, she always talks to me about how she wants to pursue a career as an artist and a volleyball player when she is older. Some of Susie’s favorite art pieces are the â€Å"Mona Lisa† by Leonardo da Vinci, and â€Å"Sunflowers† by Vincent Van Gogh. Susie’s personality can be described as a mixture of fun, caring, sporty, shy, artistic, and intelligent. My favorite trait about Susie is that she is very caring. She is always willing to stop what she is doing to help others. In conclusion, Susie is my best friend in the whole world, and I’m really happy to have her as a friend. How to cite My Best Friend Susie, Papers

Strategy and Innovation

Question: Discuss about theStrategy and Innovation. Answer: Strategy One of the important key ideas attained from the video is that there is a significant difference among business strategies, tactics, goals, and objectives. Sometime, managers get confuse among business tactics and strategies. For example, to always be the first mover in the industry, attainment of a global strategy, and be the low cost provider are not business strategies, but these are tactics, which are used by businesses to accomplish organizational strategies (Varbanova, 2013). Another important thought developed is that nowadays businesses are considered as a modern-day war. The main reasons behind this can be related to increased competition, highly dynamic business environment, and regular changing customers' needs and preferences (Sadler, 2003). In such a complex business environment, it becomes essential for managers to design a set of complex and flexible tactics that can lead to victor. It is also learned that a good strategy clearly provides answer to four questions inclu ding where do an organization should compete, think about unique value that a company can bring, resources and capabilities to be utilized, and sustain unique value (Cole, 2003). Strategies can be intended or realized. It is also learned that nowadays, strategy is more about what a company actually do instead of what it intends to do. The selected organization is Abbott Risk Consulting Ltd, which would be benefited from the application of the idea got in relation to the strategic development. In order to get success in current business environment, the implementation of these ideas would be beneficial for the company. For example, the company should develop a new business strategy to attain its mission and vision such as to deliver high quality consultancy services in an efficient and effective manner (Abbott Risk Consulting Ltd, 2013). Moreover, in order to develop an effective strategy, the company should firstly identify where it will compete such as selection of an appropriate marketplace, by reducing cost, offering innovative services, and use of advance technologies (Sadler, 2003). In addition, the company should identify the unique values for customers like delivering high value consultancy services. Moreover, organizational resources and capabilities should be identified to ensure their proper utilization for planning and implementing the strategy. In last, the company should work to sustain its unique values so that competitors cannot imitate and the business can get regular benefits. For example, the company should develop its resource based capabilities like human resource capabilities so that the competitors cannot easily imitate them. Currently, the company has a management team, in which all the members have specialists in their fields (Abbott Risk Consulting Ltd, 2013). The company can develop such capabilities to attain sustainable competitive advantage through its business strategies. Business Model Innovation It is learned from the e-learning activity that innovation is different from imitation and a successful innovation provides competitive advantage to the company over its main competitors. At the same time, it is also learned that there is also a significant difference between the terms such as invention and innovation. For example, an invention is related to find out a solution to an issue or a problem. In simple words, it can be discussed that invention is the outcome of a creative idea, while innovation refers to the process of turning invention into a business success (Al-Hakim, 2010). There are several examples of companies including Apple, Amazon, eBay, etc., which get success in today's competitive business environment through continuous innovation. It is also ascertained that for successful innovation, three important elements including new and fresh ideas, availability of big resources and continuous advancement of technologies are required. It shows that ideas and creativity are frequently considered as essential components of a successful innovation. To consider an issue in a new and different manner is known as to be creative and an idea can be depicted as a formula for addressing the problem (Al-Hakim, 2010). It is also found that there can be several driving forces and many stakeholders behind innovation. The main stakeholders include managers, customers, employees, etc (Clegg, Kornberger, and Pitsis, 2011). Another important element is found as availability of big resources for considering and implementing big innovation. For example, to implement a new innovative idea such as building of iTunes, iPhone, etc., Apple significantly makes huge capital investment as well as invest in other resources including human capital, technologies, equipment, and land and building. It shows that significant resources are required to ensure the long-term success of innovation (Girotra and Netessine, 2014). It is also assessed that in addition to a new idea and resources, different kind of techniques and new technologies are also required for the innovation success. Apple, Samsung, eBay, Amazon, etc. are some companies, which are technically advanced and highly invest in latest technologies that further support them to continuously innovate their products and processes. Another view grasped from the activity is that a business model innovation also answers some questions such as who are your customers, what is their needs and preferences, how you will create revenue and how the value can be created. The business model innovation supports in developing a balance among all these requirements (Kaplan, 2012). For example, before leading an innovation, it is essential to identify who will be the target customers and what are their expectations. It is because it would support in developing a product, which will meet the customers' expectations effectively. Moreover, innovation also supports the firm to create value elements for the firm so that customer satisfaction can be enhanced as well as revenue can be generated. It is also learned from the activity that a business can get success in business model innovation by following four steps including invention, ideation, integration, and implementation. It is also found that business model innovation can provide sustinable competitive advantage to the company because it brings invisibale changes to the outside world that will be hard to imitate by the competitors (Girotra and Netessine, 2014). In addition, it is also learned that there are ceratin key factors that must be considered by business managers to ensure the success of a business model innovation. For example, firstly, it is essential to ensure that the business implement only one business model at a time to ensure its success. Secondaly, it is essential to make sure that the business clearly communicate the business model innovation to different stakeholders mainly to customers to reap significant benefits. Moreover, it is also necessary to consider that innovation takes time, thus manageme nt should provide enough time to make an innovation successful. Fourthly, it is also important to get management commitment because without sponsorship or management support, it would be diffcult to execute innovation successfully (Girotra and Netessine, 2013). The selected organization is Burberry, which can benefit from the application of above ideas. Currently, Burberry is facing several challenges such as over reliance on UK market to generate revenue and British culture to produce its products, etc (Annual Report, 2014). It needs to implement a business model innovation to attain competitive advantage over competitors (Kaplan, 2012). Firstly, to execute the model, Burberry should rethink about the current business decisions related to earn revenue and manage cost and risk. The company should rethink such as what the new products offerings will be, when decisions should be made, and how value can be created for the customers to earn significant revenue. Burberry should first identify its target market and know about their product expectations as it would be helpful to design a new product as well as add new value elements to improve customer satisfaction. In addition, Burberry should encourage its employees to bring new ideas to improve the business and test those ideas to lead a successful innovation. Moreover, by ensuring adequate management support and providing needed resources to the innovation team, the company can work to implement the new ideas (Girotra and Netessine, 2014). An effective business innovation would be beneficial for the company to get ahead from competition. In addition, to ensure the long-term success of the new innovation, the company should develop a change management process that continuously analyzes the organizational as well as market changes and also develops necessary plans to implement those changes successfully. At the same time, the company should also focus on developing resource based capabilities in terms of human resource, equipment, and financial resources so that business innovation processes can be supported adequately to improve revenue and profitability position. Moreover, the company should also build a strong technological base so that new and innovative processes can be assisted to ensure long-term business success. References Abbott Risk Consulting Ltd (2015) About Us. Available at https://www.b.co.uk/Company/Profile/207314 [Accessed: 26th July 2016]. Al-Hakim, L. (2010) Innovation in Business and Enterprise: Technologies and Frameworks: Technologies and Frameworks. UK: IGI Global. Annual Report (2014) Available at: https://www.burberryplc.com/documents/ar-13-14/burberry-annual-review-2013-14.pdf [Accessed: 26th July, 2016]. Clegg, S. R., Kornberger, M., and Pitsis, T. (2011) Managing and Organizations: An Introduction to Theory and Practice. USA: SAGE. Cole, G. A. (2003) Strategic Management. USA: Cengage Learning EMEA. Girotra, K. and Netessine, S. (2013) Business Model Innovation for Sustainability. https://centres.insead.edu/corporate-governance-initiative/hot-topics/documents/BusinessModelInnovationforSustainability3-Final.pdf Girotra, K. and Netessine, S. (2014) Four Paths to Business Model Innovation. Available at https://hbr.org/2014/07/four-paths-to-business-model-innovation [Accessed: 26th July 2016]. Kaplan, S. (2012) The Business Model Innovation Factory: How to Stay Relevant When The World is Changing. UK: John Wiley Sons. Sadler, P. (2003) Strategic Management. UK: Kogan Page Publishers. Varbanova, L. (2013) Strategic Management in the Arts. UK: Routledge.

Toni Morrison’s World essay

Toni Morrison’s World essay Toni Morrison’s World essay Toni Morrison’s World essay‘Home’ is a widely known novel written by Toni Morrison, an American novelist and editor. The story greatly focuses on Frank Money, a 24-year-old African-American, who took part in the military operations during the Korean War, and his long journey back home after being dismissed from an Army into his homeland.Indeed, ‘Home’ is a hopeful novel about the possibility of surviving in a shadow of peace. Despite all difficulties and obstacles, there is a hometown that is waiting for the main character to come back to. As a consequence, the novel properly describes the North and South much like it would be today. Undoubtedly, the South is primary is associated with tranquility and quietness while the North is known for its noisiness and hastiness.The following passages fully describe Frank Money’s perception of the South since he ultimately returns to his homeland:‘This feeling of safety and goodwill, he knew, was exa ggerated, but savoring it was real.   He convinced himself that somewhere nearby pork ribs sizzled on a yard grill†¦And he was certain that on the bank of the stream they called Wretched, a woman in a man’s straw hat fished.   For shade and comfort she would be sitting under the sweet bay tree, the one with branches spread like arms’ (Morrison 118).Hence, this passage fully examines the literary significance of a specific scene – where Frank Money describes his perception of the South, as he ultimately returns to his hometown. This evidence proves the fact that Frank has a strong desire to finally find his home in order not to look back. As a result, the well-known smells and sounds remain the protagonist of his native land and make him appreciate and value the South again. This is a well-known fact that Southerners adore cooking and love food, and Frank Money is remembering the meal that was always preparing in people’s homes. In such a case, op en arms symbolize tranquility and safely. The tree itself is very essential to this scene, as it is a symbol of the South, portraying it as a place of family and love. The character’s homeland waits for him with open arms in order to come back home and feel free and secure again.In conclusion, ‘Home’ is a surprisingly hopeful story where Toni Morrison masterly persuades the readers’ hearts to reach out to Frank Money, a veteran of the Korean War, who finally finds his home in order to never look back.

Spanish Gerund Following Verbs Other Than Estar

Spanish Gerund Following Verbs Other Than Estar The Spanish gerund - the verb form ending in -ando or -iendo - is used frequently with forms of estar to form the progressive tenses. However, it can also be used with other verbs, sometimes with meanings that are similar to the progressive tenses. Verbs Often Used With the Gerund Here are some of the most common verbs that can be followed by the gerund: Seguir or Continuar These verbs typically mean to keep on or to continue. With this usage, the two verbs are generally interchangeable with little difference in meaning. Sony sigue hablando mal del plasma, mientras sigue lanzando televisores LCD. (Sony keeps on speaking poorly of plasma while it keeps on releasing LCD televisions.)Venezuela continuar comprando cemento cubano. (Venezuela will keep on buying Cuban cement.)Muchas veces seguimos durmiendo ms de lo que deberà ­amos. (Many times we continue sleeping longer than we should.)Las cuatro continuaban peleando y un hombre que se movilizaba en una motocicleta aprovechà ³ para robarles. (The four kept on fighting and a man on a motorcycle took advantage of the situation to rob them.) Andar Although standing alone andar typically means to walk, when followed by a gerund it means roughly the same as to go around doing something in a rather pointless or unproductive fashion. If youre translating to English, the translation can vary considerably with context. Andar generally has a negative connotation when used this way. Descubrà ­ el foro porque andaba navegando en Internet. (I discovered the forum because I was browsing around the Internet.)Katy anda comiendo todo el dà ­a. (Katy goes around eating all day.)Tà º sabes que todos andamos buscando una vida que satisfaga. (You know that all of us spend our time looking for a satisfying life.) Ir Sometimes, ir is used in the same way as andar, above. But it usually doesnt have the negative connotation. In fact, it usually suggests that the action in progress is proceeding gradually or steadily. Again, translations of ir followed by the Spanish gerund can vary with the context. Vamos estudiando mejor la situacià ³n real del pueblo. (We are coming to study better the real situation of the people.)Fueron comprando trozo a trozo el terreno durante un proceso de unos quince aà ±os ms o menos. (They went about buying the land one piece at a time during a process that lasted 15 years more or less.)Los estudiantes van ganando influencia. (The students are steadily gaining influence.) Venir Followed with a gerund, venir often refers to something that has been occurring for a long time and is still continuing. It sometimes conveys frustration that the action isnt complete. As in the first two examples below, it is often used to indicate how long something has been occurring. En los à ºltimos aà ±os, se viene hablando de liderazgo. (In recent years, much has been spoken about leadership.)Hace seis meses que viene probando suerte como modelo en Parà ­s. (For the past six months she has been trying her luck as a model in Paris.)Vienen diciendome que no soy normal. (They have been telling me that Im not normal.) Following Other Verbs With Gerunds In general, most verbs can be followed by a gerund as a way of indicating how the first verbs action in performed. In effect, the gerund functions much as an adverb. In many cases, sentences using a gerund in this way cant be translated word for word.. A few examples: Empezamos escuchando y terminamos entendiendo todo. (We begin by listening and finish by understanding everything.)De pronto nos encontramos escribiendo una nueva historia. (Suddenly we found ourselves writing a new story.)Antonio miraba estudiando todos mis movimientos. (Antonio watched me, studying all of my movements.)Buscamos en su Instagram unos fotos donde aparezcas sonriendo. (We are searching on your Instagram feed for photos where you appear to be smiling.)  Ã‚ ¡Ã‚ ¡Ella perdià ³ 12 kilos bebiendo este jugo milagroso!! (She lost 12 kilograms by drinking this miracle juice!) Key Takeaways The gerund is used most often with estar to form the progressive or continuous tenses.It can also be used with several other verbs, among them seguir and continuar, to convey an idea similar to a progressive tense.In other situations, the gerund can function much like an adverb in modifying or explaining the meaning of another verb.